Michigan City, IN
Looking for something to do on your Lake Michigan Beach vacation on a rainy day?
The resale and antique stores in Michigan City, IN offer a day full of wandering and unique finds. One thing Prairie, Dune & Shore wants to do is highlight our local businesses that give flavor to NWI towns. We want to share with you our thrifty finds and a quick review of a tasty menu at an Uptown Arts District eatery.
There are no affiliate links. These were not solicited reviews.
Michigan City in Indiana has long been a tourist destination due to the beauty of its beaches. The lighthouse at Washington Park is often photographed and is a local favorite for shutterbugs at sunset. In addition to gorgeous beaches, Michigan City boasts many antique and resale shops, including several located in the Uptown Arts District.
Antique Shops Near I94
We begin our journey south of Michigan City, just off US 421. This is the main artery into the city and is one of the exits off I94. As you head north from 94, there are two antique shops on the east side of 421. The larger store is the Antique Market. Directly behind this store is Nanni’s Over the Fence Antiques.
Antique Market of Michigan City
The Antique Market is huge. Seriously. You can spend half a day easily browsing this store. We only covered half the store in the morning before heading to our next location. Plan on wearing comfy shoes. For those new to antiquing, the Antique Market can be overwhelming, due not only to its size, but also the sheer number of items on sale.
The Market is tailored to higher price antiques. That is not to say that there aren’t lower price items available, however, these tend to be smaller items. From our visit, price was definitely a con. The things we liked about this location were the number of different booths from different sellers. There is a vast array of items available to purchase. We found some really interesting old postcards from NWI, including ones showing scenes from decades ago in Michigan City, Hammond and Gary. Additionally, there was a huge area of old vinyl records and more scattered throughout in boxes at various vendor stalls.
Due to the sheer size of the store, the Antique Market has something for everyone. Jewelry, tools, furniture from different periods and so much more. If you are looking for something specific or certain types of items, make sure to ask the staff at the main counter as you enter. They are very helpful and can assist with general questions about the city as well.
Nanni’s Over the Fence Antiques
Nanni’s is just behind the Antique Market. Follow the access road next to the brightly colored doors. This was our first visit to Over the Fence Antiques. We were pleasantly surprised with all that the store offered. Although smaller in size, the shop has multiple vendors represented and a wide diversity of inventory on hand. Vintage clothing to antique toys, the variety is worth a lengthy browse.
We really had only positives about this one. We found some Marvel comic books and a few fun jewelry finds. The furniture that was for sale was decent quality for its age and reasonably priced. There was an old file cabinet at the front that was displayed as though it was from a 1920s film noir detective movie. An old wooden Singer sewing machine with foot pedal was on sale. In addition to these bigger items, there were multiple vintage hats and jewelry pieces to pick through. The owner was friendly and she is willing to deal. Inventory moves quickly here, so if you see it and you want it – buy it.
Nanni’s is a must-stop if you are antiquing in Michigan City. We will definitely be going back soon as there were a few potential gifts we want to snag. We are just hoping they will still be there next weekend!
Local Flavors: Fiddleheads Restaurant in the Uptown Arts District
Located at the northern end of the Arts District, Fiddleheads was our lunch stop. It has a beautiful indoor dining area and some limited outdoor seating. Inside, there is family dining and a full service bar. Seating is comfortable with both booth and table seating. Tables are well-spaced so that even when busy, you feel like you are having an intimate meal. All the staff we interacted with were friendly and helpful.
The menu has many options and a large selection of gluten-free and vegetarian choices. There is a make-your-own mac and cheese that allows you to add-on caramelized onions, tomatoes, onion straws, your choice of meat and more. The menu is reasonable, but there are some higher-priced item. If you are on a budget, however, you can still find some delish eats.
Since it was lunch and we had an afternoon filled with shops ahead of us, we ordered sandwiches, as well as a few appetizers. The pierogis were an unexpected treat on the menu. Another appetizer that was a big hit at our table was the stuffed mushrooms. Out of the sandwiches, we highly recommend the Hipster, a pulled pork yum-fest. The Chicken Salad Sandwich is a tasty twist on the traditional version. All-in-all, for a great sit down lunch that included two appetizers and a few adult beverages, our bill before tip was just over $80. We also had leftovers to take home as no one finished their sandwiches. Fiddleheads is worth the stop for a comfortable meal with a delicious menu and friendly service staff.
Antique and Resale Shopping in the Uptown Arts District
After lunch we started our wanderings at the southern end of the Arts District. There are several shops and eateries in the District and it is very walkable. In addition to vintage and antique stores, there are contemporary boutiques and beach jewelry stores, as well as arts options. Our goal for the day was to check out the vintage offerings, but they are just a sliver of what you can do in the Arts District.
Hoity-Toity
One of the first shops as you head into the Uptown Arts from 421 (which turns into Franklin St. as you enter Michigan City) is Hoity Toity. A home décor thrift and consignment shop, it has a ton of stuff packed into its space. The shop is very eclectic, showcasing a range of items from resale to vintage to newly made products. There is a mix of home offerings as well as a section selling incense and gift cards. In reviews we read prior to our visit, some customers had indicated that the incense smell was overwhelming. We did not find it so on our visit. Although we could tell incense was burning within the store, the scent was light and not at all overwhelming.
Good News Vintage
Of all our stops on this thrifty resale day, Good News Vintage was our fave. The store has a treasure trove of vintage finds. We scored a new pair of stools for our breakfast counter. My find of the day, however, was a board game I loved to play with my Grandmother. We always called it “Michigan Rummy,” but the official box calls it “Rummy Royale.” My daughter loved the vintage clothes corner. The store is easy to shop, with enough stock to keep you looking but not so much that it is overwhelming to the eye. There was a great mix of furniture and smaller pieces. Additionally, items were priced fairly without a ridiculous mark-up. If you are planning a trip to the Uptown Arts District in Michigan City, Good News Vintage is a must-stop. Keep in mind that the stock in this store turns over quickly. The owner is always on the hunt for unique finds to highlight in her shop and they do not stay long.
One for the Road: Carlson’s Drive-In
On our way out of town, we stopped at the local carhop to grab a gallon of fresh root beer to go. No summer day in Michigan City would be complete without a stop at Carlson’s Root Beer Stand. The restaurant is just off Franklin Street, thus it is easy to pop in for a quick bite or a gallon to go before leaving town or heading back to your home base. Carlson’s has been a staple in Michigan City for over 70 years. It boasts a full drive-in menu. One of the benefits of eating at the Root Beer Stand, you can come straight from the beach. No shirt or shoes required to eat in your vehicle.
Conclusion
Whether you live in the area and your are looking for a rainy day activity or you are visiting for vacation, the Uptown Arts District in Michigan City offers a plethora of activities. From contemporary boutiques to charming vintage shops, you can walk and window shop to your heart’s content. The District also boast several eateries from a quick bite at Mucho Mas to a sit down in Fiddlehead.